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Now until March 8th United Way of Southeast Mississippi: 2026 $100K Payday Raffle
The Hattiesburg-based United Way’s traditional raffle gives participants the chance to win $100,000 in cash while supporting vital programs and services across the region.
During the Early Bird period, which lasts through February 8, ticket purchasers will also be entered to win a $1,000 Amazon gift card. As an added bonus, anyone who purchases three consecutive tickets at one time will receive one free ticket, quadrupling their chances to win.
The Early Bird winner will be drawn on Thursday, February 19, and announced on United Way of Southeast Mississippi’s social media channels.
The $100,000 Grand Prize drawing will take place on Thursday, March 19, at 6 p.m. at Keg & Barrel West Hattiesburg. Ticket holders do not need to be present to win.
Tickets may be purchased using any of the following methods:
📱 Text: Text PAYDAY to 91999, complete the form, and submit payment by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, March 8, 2026.
💻 Online: Purchase tickets at www.unitedwaypayday.org using a credit card through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, March 8, 2026.
📞 Phone: Call 601-545-7141 by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026.
👤 In Person: Tickets will be available until close of business on Friday, March 6, 2026, at the following locations:
\ Corner Market: Midtown Hattiesburg; Oak Grove; Petal
\ Citizens Bank: Hattiesburg; Sumrall
\ Community Bank: Hwy. 98 West; Hwy. 49 South
\ Grand Bank: Westover Drive
\ Hancock Whitney: Lincoln Road; Oak Grove; Petal; Purvis; Prentiss
\ United Way of Southeast Mississippi: 16 Office Park Dr., Ste. 6, Hattiesburg
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Now until Apr. 3rd Laurel Arts League Has opened applications for the 2026 Mandy Buchanan Creative Arts Scholarship, a program honoring a beloved local educator by supporting talented high school seniors in Laurel and Jones County.
Graduating seniors from public, private, or homeschool programs can apply by submitting an original portfolio in visual or performing arts, regardless of their intended college major.
Interested students must submit all application materials via email by the April 3 deadline to be considered for this competitive award.
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Monthly until July 7th Hattiesburg Zoo Is hosting a series of Homeschool Days with each session focusing on a specific animal habitat.
Programs run from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., but participants can enter at 8:30 a.m. for exclusive early access before the public arrives.
The sessions focus on the following.
\ March 3rd: Mountains
\ April 7th: Forests
\ May 5th: Deserts
\ June 2nd: Wetlands
\ July 7th: Jungles
Students will explore four self-paced activity stations throughout the zoo followed by a special animal encounter at the Giraffe Pavilion.
The morning also features a Nature Swap, where children can trade nature-based treasures with zoo staff and other participants.
After the scheduled activities conclude, families are invited to stay and enjoy the zoo at their leisure for the remainder of the day.
Advanced reservations are required, with discounted rates available for annual zoo pass holders.
https://hattiesburgzoo.connectngo.com/en/tag/education-program -
Feb. 19th-21st Black History Month Activities in Hattiesburg's Sixth Street Museum
\ John Seagraves: Uncommon Hero Presentation
Author David Seagraves will visit the African American Military History Museum (305 East Sixth Street) on February 19 at 5:30 p.m. to share personal insights into his father’s extraordinary legacy of perseverance. Attendees can purchase copies of the biography and leave inspired by the powerful stories of those who served and shaped American history.
\ Storytime with a Soldier
On February 20 at 10 a.m., children can enjoy a rhythmic reading of Okra Stew followed by a live tasting of the traditional dish prepared by the Lake Terrace Convention Center culinary team. This interactive event at the African American Military History Museum celebrates Gullah Geechee culture through the lens of family, food, and tradition.
\ The Story of James Hemings & Mac & Cheese Bake-Off
The Historic Eureka School (410 East 6th Street) will host a celebration on February 21 at 1 p.m. honoring James Hemings, the overlooked culinary founding father who introduced French fries and macaroni and cheese to America. Guests are invited to learn about Hemings' profound influence on American cuisine while participating in a community-wide mac and cheese bake-off.
All Black History Month events are open to the public. Some events require registration and a fee. To learn more about these events and to register call 601-450-1942.
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Feb. 22nd RESCHEDULED Extra Table FEEDS: Breaking Out of Hunger Starts at 1 p.m. (gates open at noon) at the Sumrall Amphitheater. Live music will be provided by The Parchman Band. Admission is a couple cans of food or a donation to Extra Table.
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Feb. 25th Friends of the Laurel-Jones County Library System
Will be hosting a Local Black Author Showcase from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Laurel-Jones County Library, 530 Commerce Street in Laurel.
Each author will have their works for sale, as well as be available to speak with attendees about their books.
For more details, call 601-428-4313.
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Mar. 19th Wayne County Excel by 5 Is inviting local agencies and businesses to participate in the 2026 Excelebration from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m.
This event at the Waynesboro-Wayne County Library features vehicles, booths, and activities specifically designed for children ages five and under.
Interested organizations are asked to RSVP via email to ensure enough tables are provided, though participants must bring their own tents.
This is a great opportunity for the community to engage with local families and provide free goodies for the kids.
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Mar. 29th Messiah Parts II and III Presented by The Meistersingers of Mississippi, the concert starts at 3 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Hattiesburg.
Scheduled during the season of Lent, the Biblical texts of Parts II and III of this beloved choral classic focus on the death and resurrection of Jesus, culminating in the Hallelujah Chorus.
Dr. Jay Dean will serve as guest conductor for this performance.
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Apr. 25th Wayne County High School Football Program
Is hosting its 2026 War Eagle Classic Car Show at the stadium parking lot in Waynesboro.
This community fundraiser features registration from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., followed by judging and awards to benefit local student-athletes.
For more details, call 601-410-3759.
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Editor's Note
For more events, please click on the second arrow button from the right. The two central arrow buttons will advance this calendar backward and forward one page.
If you're looking for the ongoing events we talk about, they're listed at or near the end of our calendar. The best thing to do is click on the rightmost arrow button below.
Thanks for letting Pine Belt Radio and thepinebelt.com serve you.
Doug Morris
doug@pinebeltradio.com
